Russell Martin believes his MK Dons side are building momentum, despite disappointment at the points return from the last few games.
The Dons made it three unbeaten with a 0-0 draw at Northampton Town, following on from the 1-1 stalemate with AFC Wimbledon and the 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at Stadium MK.
It’s form that has lifted Martin’s men up to 19th in the Sky Bet League One table and while pleased to be putting a run together, the boss wants the points they are picking up to turn in maximum returns.
“We're building a bit of momentum and belief,” Martin said in his post-match press conference at the PTS Academy Stadium.
“It has been a good week for us. We’re unbeaten in three, although we should have won on Saturday.
“We’ve come a long way in terms of defensive mentality and the tempo we’re playing at too. We've been really aggressive with the ball and how we move up the pitch.
“Before the last two games, we'd created a lot of chances. We just don't show enough composure or conviction in the final third. When we does, and it clicks, it changes the game completely – we just haven't done it enough.”
Martin added: “We're getting a more consistent team now. We've got two games coming up now, outside of the league, and while we have to manage everyone over this period, we want to win these games and build a bit more momentum.”
Reflecting on Tuesday’s performance and result specifically, the manager commented: “I'm pleased with a clean sheet at a tough place to come.
“I feel like we were in control pretty much for the whole game. It turned into a home game for us really with the amount of control we had. I'm proud with how little we gave them away from home on a tough pitch.
“There are a few things I'm disappointed with in the final third, especially when Scott Fraser came off. I'd have liked to create more but it's tough when they stick so many bodies behind the ball.
“We tried to find a few different solutions tonight and we mixed it up more than we have done recently but it was tough for the players at the top end of the pitch. We will look at that, because there are certain things we need to continue working on.
“On the whole, though, I'm pleased with the performance.”
The Dons were dealt a blow midway through the first half on Tuesday when Scott Fraser was forced off the pitch. Martin provided the following update on his number 10.
“He said he felt a bit weak and dizzy so, with all that is going on, we have to follow the protocols.
“He’s not had any symptoms but he'll have to have a Covid test now. We’ll monitor that for a few days but hopefully he won't be out for too long.”
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Russell Martin's MK Dons are in Emirates FA Cup action this Sunday lunchtime, as they travel to the Silverlake Stadium to take on Eastleigh in the First Round Proper. Kick-off is at 12.45pm.
Due to broadcasting rights with the Emirates FA Cup, the match will not be shown on iFollow MK Dons and there will also be no audio coverage on either iFollow MK Dons or local radio.
However, fans will be able to watch the tie live on both the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer. Full details to follow later this week. Please note, coverage on the BBC is restricted to UK and ROI only.
